Sam Adekugbe

PROFILE
Sam Adekugbe joined Vancouver’s MLS roster as a Homegrown player on August 28, 2013 and made his MLS debut two months later as the starting left back in the ’Caps season finale on October 27 – a 3-0 triumph over Colorado Rapids. The Calgary, Alberta resident joined Whitecaps FC in September 2011 as a member of the club’s Residency program. During his two seasons in Residency, Adekugbe started 55 of his 60 appearances and helped the U-18’s make back-to-back trips to the United States Soccer Development Academy Finals Week.

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER

2014: Adekugbe made four regular season appearances at left back for the ‘Caps in 2014, including his second career start against Toronto FC in a 2-1 win on July 16. Adekugbe also started and played all 90 minutes in both ‘Caps matches in the Amway Canadian Championship. The young Canadian culminated the year by subbing in for an injured Steven Beitashour in the regular season finale, helping the ‘Caps keep a shutout in a 1-0 win over Colorado Rapids to clinch the club’s second ever MLS playoff berth. 2013: As an 18 year-old, Adekugbe was added to the club's MLS roster on August 28, 2013. The young defender made his MLS debut in Vancouver's season finale on October 27, 2013, in a 3-0 triumph over Colorado Rapids. Adekugbe started at left back and played all 90 minutes of the match.

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER RESERVE LEAGUE

2013: Adekugbe made six appearances in reserve league play in 2013, playing the full ninety minutes in every match he took part in. In the Blue and White’s 4-0 victory over Seattle Sounders FC Reserves on July 7, the left back scored a superb goal to put the game out of reach. 2012: As a 17-year-old, Adekugbe made his MLS Reserve League debut for Whitecaps FC reserves, as they drew 1-1 at home to Seattle Sounders FC reserves on Mar. 26. The defender played the second half of the season opener at Thunderbird Stadium on the campus of the University of British Columbia after replacing Jordan Harvey at halftime.

UNITED STATES SOCCER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY

2013-14: Adekugbe made 18 appearances for Whitecaps FC U-18 Residency, including 17 starts, and scored one goal. 2012-13: Adekugbe started 32 of 35 regular season games for Whitecaps FC U-18 Residency, registering two goals. 2011-12: Adekugbe started 23 of 25 regular season games for Whitecaps FC U-16 Residency, scoring one goal on the season in a 5-0 win over California Development Academy on September 24, 2011. Late in the season, Adekugbe joined Whitecaps FC U-18 Residency for the 2011-12 Academy Finals Week in Houston, Texas.

INTERNATIONAL

Senior: The homegrown left back was called up by head coach Benito Floro to a 10-day training camp from September 1 to September 10; the red and white played two friendlies versus Mauritania during that span. U-20: Adekugbe started three friendly matches for Canada during a camp in November 2014. The young defender captained Canada’s side in a 2-2 draw against England, and started in a 2-1 win over Russia, and a 1-0 win over the United States. U-18: Adekugbe was called up to a week-long training camp with the Canadian U-18 team in November 2012, and and then again in October 2013 for an October 8 to October 14 camp in Guatemala.

YOUTH/AMATEUR

Before moving to his current hometown of Calgary, Alberta, the defender played youth soccer in Manchester, England, with AFC Clayton (2000 to 2004) before immigrating to Canada and his current hometown of Calgary, Alberta, with his family in 2004. From 2004 to 2009, Adekugbe played for Calgary Foothills Saints before spending two years with Calgary Foothills Rapids (2009 to 2011). During his time at Calgary Foothills, the defender won three Calgary Minor Soccer Association tier-one championship titles and two Alberta provincial indoor titles. He also represented his home province of Alberta at the U-13 and U-16 levels.

PERSONAL

Born in London, England, and growing up in Manchester, England, Adekugbe immigrated to Canada and his current hometown of Calgary, Alberta, at the age of nine. The defender's parents are Dee and Ben Adekugbe. In his early years, Ben spent time with Charlton Athletic FC. Adekugbe’s younger brother Elijah was a member of Whitecaps FC Residency. He also has three sisters named Abigail, Debbie, and Ruth. He first attended Nicholas Varley Community School in Manchester, England (1999 to 2004) before attending Calgary's Midnapore School (2004 to 2006). He then attended Sir Winston Churchill High School (2009-10) and Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School (2010-11) in Calgary, Alberta.

INTERESTING FACTS

Adekugbe’s first memories of playing soccer are in England in a Manchester United Youth Camp when he was four-years-old. The young defender also attended Sir Charlton Academy which has produced top players including the likes of David Beckham. Adekugbe follows some soccer superstitions before games, such as placing his left boot on before his right and never placing his boots on top of a table. His favourite team is English Premier League giants Manchester City FC, while he is also a fan of Manchester United's Welsh star Ryan Giggs and current Chelsea FC and England left fullback Ashley Cole. He would like to play at Wembley Stadium in London, England, and Manchester United's Old Trafford home one day. The defender likes eating linguini with Bolognese sauce, chicken, and garlic toast. When not playing soccer, Adekugbe enjoys reading soccer autobiographies and going to movies with his friends. He also plays other sports such as tennis and basketball. In his spare time, he also enjoys playing the piano and drums.